折り返す

• Reading: おりかえす
• Romaji: orikaesu
• Kanji breakdown: 折 (setsu/o) — fold, bend, break; 返 (hen/kae) — return, give back
• Pronunciation: /o.ɾi.ka.e.sɯ/

Meaning

To turn up (a hem, sleeves, etc.); to fold back. Also means to return (a call) or to turn back along a route.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb with both physical and communicative meanings. Physically, it means to fold something back on itself. In communication, 折り返す is widely used for returning phone calls (折り返し電話する). Also describes turning back on a path or route. The adverb 折り返し means 'by return' or 'immediately.'

Examples

1. ズボンの裾を折り返して履いている。 He wears his pants with the hems turned up.
2. 後ほど折り返しお電話いたします。 I will return your call shortly.
3. マラソンのコースは公園で折り返す。 The marathon course turns back at the park.

Usage Guide

Context: phone calls, sewing, sports

Tone: practical

Origin & History

Compound verb from 折る (to fold, bend) and 返す (to return). Literally means to fold and return, describing the action of turning something back on itself.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal